May: Connecticut Goes To War

Click through the gallery for pages from the Courant spanning 250 years of war coverage.

As we move into May, the Courant continues its yearlong observance of the newspaper’s 250th anniversary with a new theme — Connecticut at War.

Connecticut has always played key roles in conflict, both domestically and internationally. We have seen men and women go off to war for more than two centuries. We’ve celebrated when they returned and mourned for those who did not make it back.

During the American Revolution, goods provided by farmers, merchants and manufacturers were so important that George Washington referred to Connecticut as “the provision state.” Connecticut played an important role in the Civil War, providing soldiers, supplies and weapons to the Union cause. But residents weren’t unanimous in their support for the war between the states, and the debate played out passionately in the editorial pages of The Courant and its rival, The Hartford Times.

As war became more global, the state continued to play a prominent role — in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts. The M-16s used in Vietnam were made in Hartford. We built jet engines, nuclear submarines and helicopters.

Over the next few weeks, the Courant will look back at Connecticut’s involvement in the conflicts that have shaped the American experience. Our coverage will include a daily feature on a hometown hero, focusing on the countless veterans who gave of themselves to keep those at home safe.